Forget Mesut Ozil: Arsenal must do everything to sell Sokratis in the January transfer window

3 minute read 1/1/2021 | 09:45am

According to CBS Sports, Arsenal will look to sell Sokratis Papastathopoulous in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Greece international hasn’t been seen in an Arsenal shirt this season, at least on a competitive level, after failing to be named in either of the Premier League or Europa League squads.

Is Sokratis an Arsenal flop?

Yes!

No!

With his contract coming to an end in the summer, there has been major speculation over his long-term future at the Emirates. And now, CBS Sports claim that along with fellow outcast Mesut Ozil, Mikel Arteta’s side will look to sell Sokratis when the window opens, with the duo “both out of the project”.

Forget Ozil

With Arteta looking to build his own style of play and football at the Emirates, it’s been no surprise that Sokratis, a more old-school rugged defender, has been out of the picture.

The £108k-a-week earning ace isn’t as comfortable on the ball as some of his teammates in that position, and his hefty wages are a massive detriment to the club as a whole.

And speaking after a particularly disappointing display against Norwich last season, Andy Townsend slammed the Greek ace, saying: “Arsenal need someone to come in and teach them about defending. Sokratis is nowhere near good enough. I don’t think he would get into any Premier League side.”

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Arsenal secured their first win under Mikel Arteta against Manchester United. Can you name the two goal-scorers on the night?

The fact Arteta didn’t even include him in the Premier League squad is a major statement on just how low down he figures in the grand scheme of things at Arsenal.

Whilst Ozil may be the marquee name being linked with an exit, the Gunners also have to get Sokratis’ wage bill off the books too in January.